You Don’t Need to Be There to Feel It.
Open social media on any given day and you’ll see it.
A morning walk before work. A bike ride with friends. A family hike. A fitness class. A gym session. A golf round. A friendly game of pickleball. The momentum is impossible to miss.
“Jump In for Women’s Heart Health” is everywhere you look, and behind every photo is a story. Thirty minutes set aside for movement. Thirty minutes invested in heart health.
As I’ve watched participants share why they are taking part in Jump In for Women’s Heart Health, I’ve been reminded that awareness begins with conversation. One person shares their experience, another sees themselves in that story, and suddenly a movement begins to grow.
Too many women still don’t realize that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among women in Canada. Many also remain unaware that symptoms and risk factors can differ significantly from those experienced by men, contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Every conversation, every shared story and every step taken helps change that.
Thank you as well to Shelley True and the “ForePlay Golf Tournament” last week.
The “Hamptons”-themed event created another wonderful opportunity to share our message while also supporting the Heart Institute through proceeds from the tournament.
We are thrilled to see the energy around this month’s campaign, but let me stress that it’s never too late to get involved. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the perfect time. In addition to all the great perks (check them out on our website or socials), our exclusive JUMP IN socks and registration rewards will continue to be available beyond September for those who sign up.
We are also gearing up for our September 29 Heart to Heart Walk and Fireside Chat presented by Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown, and I would love to see you there. Whether you’re already participating or just getting started, register today and join our community as we come together to support women’s heart health. I will be moderating the panel discussion, Heart Truths: Facts, Myths and Real Answers, alongside our industry experts.
And while we at the Foundation continue to keep “Jump In” top of mind, the Heart Institute also published an impressive article about the history of women’s heart health here at the Institute. Click here to learn more.
Please keep in mind that donations this month are also being matched by our sponsors.
One of the privileges of being part of the Heart Institute community is discovering the many dimensions of the people behind the groundbreaking work. We know Dr. Marc Ruel as an internationally respected cardiac surgeon, researcher and leader. Yet he is also an accomplished pianist who has spent a lifetime pursuing musical excellence. There is something truly extraordinary about a person whose talents allow him to touch hearts in two very different ways: through the precision of surgery and the beauty of music.
On Oct 3rd Dr Ruel will take the stage for opening night of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra for a concert supporting the Heart Institute at Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar Street. The concert will be followed by a benefit reception in support of the Heart Institute Foundation, with an opportunity to meet Dr. Ruel and the artists. Reception tickets are $100 and are sold separately from concert admission. It’s a rare opportunity to take in this special solo performance as part of the celebration of the Institute’s 50th year anniversary. It’s a big night and we would love to see you there. Learn more here.
On a personal note, because I have shared so much of my family’s journey with you over the years, I’ll admit that a few weeks ago I thought I knew exactly what this next chapter would look like. Our oldest daughter, Andie, had returned to Bishop’s for her senior year and Jamie was beginning her first year at Trent. Tony and I were looking ahead to a season of road trips, soccer games, and our first real experience as empty nesters.
Then life changed course.
Trusting her instincts and recognizing she was not in the right place, Jamie made the brave decision to come home and take a gap year.
While I know it was the right decision for her, I would be lying if I said the adjustment was easy. The plans I had imagined suddenly looked very different.
As I watched Jamie make that difficult decision, I found myself reflecting on a lesson we see every day at the Heart Institute. Patients listen to symptoms, seek answers, and begin a new journey. Researchers adjust their hypotheses when evidence points them in a new direction. Care teams adapt when circumstances change.
Changing direction is not the same as losing your way.
In life, and in health, the best-laid plans don’t always unfold as expected. What matters is how we respond when they don’t.
Before Jamie came home, Tony and I had the privilege of watching both daughters play against one another in a preseason exhibition game, Trent versus Bishop’s. As parents, it was one of those moments you wish you could freeze in time. No matter what twists and turns come next, that memory will stay with me forever.
At the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, every day we help patients navigate unexpected turns. And thanks to the support of our community, we continue to discover new paths forward through research, innovation, and world-class care.
As autumn arrives, I’m looking forward to all the small comforts of the season: colourful leaves, fall wardrobes, lattes, and whatever new possibilities may lie around the corner.
Thank you, as always, for being part of the Heart Institute family and for taking the time to read these reflections each month.
Wishing you a healthy and happy start to the fall season.
Much Love,
Lianne
Lianne
DONATIONS MATCHED
The generosity powering the JUMP IN™ challenge continues to grow. Building on the incredible month-long support from PH&N Wealth Management and Giovanni’s, we are thrilled that BLD Homes has stepped up to match every donation made this week. Your gift today joins a powerful community of support, ensuring that more women can access the life-saving care they need and deserve.
